USEFUL TIPS ABOUT MONTRÉAL TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

CAN I USE MY CELL/MOBILE PHONE IN CANADA?

Your cellular phone will work in Canada, however, to avoid potentially expensive roaming charges, it is strongly recommended that you turn off your data before landing on Canadian soil. Montreal has hundreds of free Wi-Fi connections in the city, not to mention hotels, the convention centre, along with restaurants and cafés, so there is no reason for visitors to incur additional charges with their cell phone carrier.

ELECTRICITY

The electric current is 110V and the plugs are the same as what is found in the US. If you come from a country that uses 220V electricity, you will need an adaptor (for computers, cell phones, tablets / iPads, cameras etc.) or a converter (to transform voltage- for your hairdryer, electric shavers etc.)

TIME ZONES

Montréal switches to Eastern Daylight Time (summer time zone) on the second Sunday of March and returns to Eastern Standard Time (winter time zone) on the first Sunday of November. The time difference between Montréal time and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is less than 5 hours in the winter.

BANKS, CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND TAXES

Canadian currency is the dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar bills.

There are numerous currency exchange offices for visitors to exchange money into Canadian currency. Most exchange offices are open during regular business hours (9am-6pm) and Saturday from 10am-5pm.

Taxes in Montréal are calculated as follows: a 5% Federal Goods & Services tax and a 9.975% Provincial Goods & Services tax. Only basic groceries (breads, dairy, fruits, vegetables, etc.) are not taxed. Taxes paid by visitors are not reimbursable.

WHAT IS THE RULE FOR TIPPING IN MONTRÉAL?

Service is not included in restaurants, so it is customary to add a 15% tip to the total before taxes. For larger groups (from 6 people or more, some restaurants will automatically add the 15% service to the bill.

Taxi drivers, hairdressers, etc. are also normally tipped 15%.

For bellhops, porters, doormen, etc. between $1-$2 is considered standard. Housekeeping standards are between $1-$2 per day. Many people simply round of the amount; for example, if you are staying 4 nights, a $10 gratuity would be considered as very nice, but not excessive.

GETTING AROUND – FROM THE AIRPORT & IN THE CITY

Montréal switches to Eastern Daylight Time (summer time zone) on the second Sunday of March and returns to Eastern Standard Time (winter time zone) on the first Sunday of November. The time difference between Montréal time and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is less than 5 hours in the winter.

BY TAXI

Taxis are readily available outside the airport and hotels. A trip from the airport to downtown Montréal (or vice versa) will cost you a flat rate of $40.00. It is also easy to flag one down on the street.

BY METRO AND BUS

Montréal is a very walkable and safe city. However, if you require to travel further distances, the public transportation system is very fast and convenient. The Metro (underground subway) typically operates between 5:30am to 1:00am. The bus route is also very extensive and could also be an option. There is also an express bus that services the airport (747 Express Bus). A one-way fare card, which is valid for 24 hours costs $10.00CDN. For more information on the public transportation system, please visit www.stm.com

BY BIKE

Montrealers are avid cyclists, and proud of it. The city has 350 kilometres of bike paths criss-crossing its territory, including natural parks and suburbs.

Use a Bixi bike to get around. This pubic bike sharing system can be a great way to get around the city. The cost of 24 hours is $5.00. Users must be careful not to use the bike for more than 30 minutes at a time to avoid being charged extra time. For more information visit their website at www.bixi.com. Be sure to abide all traffic signs to avoid any violations which can result in a fine.

ON FOOT

Montréal is a very walkable city and you will see many people out on the streets. It is safe and enjoyable both in the downtown core and in Old Montréal and the Old Port area. Crossing the street on a red light or in the middle of a block can result in a “jaywalking” fine.

WISHING TO SEND A POSTCARD BACK TO YOUR LOVED ONES?

For regular mail/postcards (30 grams and less), stamps cost $1.15 within Canada, $1.38 to the US and $2.88 for international destinations. For more details visit www.canadapost.ca.

Consult your hotel concierge to find the closest outlet to you. Some hotels will sell stamps and mail the letter for their guests. You might also find stamps at convenient stores.

SHOPPING IN MONTRÉAL

Most shops are open Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are usually closed on legal holidays – and on January 2 in the majority of cases – but some establishments (supermarkets, SAQ outlets, etc.) may still be open. For more information, consult the Tourisme Montréal website.

DINING OUT

Montréal has the highest concentration of eateries on the continent with 92 restaurants per square kilometer, in touristic neighborhoods and representing various types of cuisine inspired by 120 countries and regions. There is something for every palate and budget. Browse the Tourisme Montréal website for more information.

WHAT TO DO IN MONTRÉAL

There is never a shortage of activities and events taking place in the city. To find out what is happening while you are in town, consult Tourisme Montréal’s calendar of events.

Looking for more suggestions on what to do during your stay in Montréal? Get some inspiration from Tourisme Montréal’s blog.